A full time student
(completing one block per quarter) completes the coursework and directed
teaching in 5 quarters. A part-time student (taking 2 courses per quarter)
completes the coursework and directed teaching in about 6 quarters.

What is an INTERN
SINGLE-SUBJECT CREDENTIAL (internship)?

In the intern
credential program, the student is placed as a teaching intern in a
district by the education department. S/he works as a teacher during the
day and completes the courses at evening. It may or may not take longer
than a regular credential. Please contact Dr. Andrea Maxie (see
members page) for more information.

Do I need to have my degree before
I can apply to credential program?

No. Typically one can apply
in the last two years of their degree program. A degree is however
required in order to receive a credential.

What is the minimum GPA needed to
be admitted to the single-subject credential program?

2.75 in the last 90 quarter units
of work. Other avenue is to apply through a Special Action Petition. In
order to be eligible for this action, a student must have a minimum 2.5
GPA and have passed all sections of CBEST.

How do I apply for the CREDENTIAL
PROGRAM?

Please visit application
website. Also, group advisement sessions are offered at CCOE quarterly
that provide an overview of the application process. Please call
323-343-4342 to find out when these sessions are available.

Do I need to take CSET?

As of now, Single subject
credential students can satisfy subject matter competency through waiver
program.

What is a
FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL CREDENTIAL?

It is a lower level
analog of single subject credential (in Math) that lets one to teach
high-school math up to a certain level . Students can only pass CSET
tests 1 and 2 and be subject matter qualified for this credential (or
take a qualified subject matter waiver program), which allows them to
teach general math, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and
consumer math (no calculus).

What is the difference between a
B.A./B.S. and a SUBJECT MATTER WAIVER PROGRAM?

The first two are
degree programsas opposed to the latter which is a CCTC
(California Commission of Teacher Credentialing) approved set of
courses that qualifies one as subject matter competent. However, a
BA/BS program may also be subject matter approved, e.g. A BA/BS in
mathematics in SSC option (see
Pathways) at
CSULA is subject matter approved.

Here is an example
of how a waiver program can be used. Suppose a music BA wants to teach
mathematics. S/he must demonstrate competency in mathematics either by
passing CSET exams in mathematics, or by successfully completing the
subject matter waiver program approved by the CCTC.

Important:
If you completed the subject matter waiver program at another institution
and want to pursue credential at CSULA, you must get appropriate
verification not only from the subject matter dept. but also the education
dept. of that institution.

What is a
SUPPLEMENTARY AUTHORIZATION? How is it different than a SUBJECT MATTER
AUTHORIZATION?

A supplementary
authorization was used to enable one already holding a full
single-subject credential to teach in an area other than his/her
subject matter area. For example, a physics teacher wishing to also teach
mathematics could complete this authorization to teach math as well.
Important: This authorization is not NCLB (No Child Left Behind
bill of Bush Government) compliant and since has been replaced by the
introductory authorization.

An Introductory
Authorization is satisfied by completing 48 quarter units in a designated
subject, and is typically spread across different areas within that
subject. Students are recommended to talk to school districts and the CCTC
before completing this authorization, as currently CSULA does not offer
this authorization.

I have a degree, but it is not in
math/science. Should I go for a second degree, or are there any other
options?

Typically obtaining
a BA/BS would require more work than is necessary for subject matter
competency that can be done by either passing required CSET test, or
completing the approved subject matter waiver program.

Important:
Even you have a degree in math/science, you may not be subject matter
competent by CCTC standards. For example, if you have a BS in math with
applied math option at CSULA, you may not have completed all the required
courses for subject matter competency.

If I opt for a second degree,
will it take same amount of time as my first degree, or less?

Typically it is
less if both degrees are from the same university, otherwise it depends on
the particular universities involved.

I have other questions, who do I
see?

Please see any
advisors (depending on your question) listed on
members list.